Like many others, I have been to the Conference again. However, unlike the majority, I again feel the need to pass on my thoughts and concerns in writing, in the hope that others may benefit from an alternative viewpoint. Detailed accounts of the proceedings and their implications for the profession and beyond have been reported in previous editions of The Journal; this article is intended to be a very personal update.
You may remember - as pharmacists, you most probably will - that I wrote of my experiences, and offered some seemingly constructive comments, after my visit to the Conference last year (PJ, October 17, 1998, p615). I therefore consider that it is even more appropriate to "close the loop" and report on my perceptions of the outcomes of those suggestions, and their potential value to others. If there are pharmacists who have never been to the Conference, but would like to take the plunge, the knowledge that there are support systems in place that others have found useful might make taking that first step easier.
Last year, attending as a branch representative, I found the initial contacts a little intimidating as I was on my own and knew very few delegates. However, as I explained previously, abandoning the normal conventions of not speaking to strangers means that you are soon in a position to reap the benefits of your efforts. This time, I found that I could not cross the huge hall on arrival to reach the coffee point, as I met so many people on the way that I knew - a very pleasing change.
Incidentally, why were the smokers banished to the toilets? I wondered whether a quick registration of premises could be arranged in order to supply nicotine replacement therapy, and save the rest of us from the fumes. I also noted, with thanks, the larger type on the name badges so that any names that were not on the tip of my tongue could be checked surreptitiously, without embarrassment. A colleague who attended a recent high-tech conference suggested another point of which the organisers might like to take note. Briefly, the badges were bar-coded and each delegate was "read" as he or she went into the auditorium, in order not only to check the attendance numbers, but also that the appropriate fees had been paid. With a separate fee for each day, and so many delegates coming and going throughout the conference, I did wonder if perhaps someone who had paid for and attended on the Monday could actually be present (free) at later sessions. The badges used did not differentiate, as far as I could see, who had paid for what. The use of a method that checks such details, which admittedly would be more expensive than a steward and a manual counter, might well be cost-effective. It could also be used to issue certificates for continuing professional development purposes.
Another adverse comment made last year was on the separate venues for refreshments, presentations, main speeches and the exhibition. This year everything was under the same roof and for me and for several others I spoke to this was an infinitely preferable arrangement. One realised quite how large the Cardiff International Arena was on entering on Thursday morning: the exhibition had disappeared as if by magic, and a huge space revealed. I have to say it felt a little bit like gatecrashing when the festivities were all over, although I could not find any "party poppers" or other evidence that I had missed a good "do". (Incidentally, the exhibition was excellent.) The sessions on that last morning were both very interesting, and I thought that it was a pity that they clashed and that they occurred after most people had gone home. Generally, all the events I attended were of a very high standard and the new system for ensuring microphones were in an appropriate place wherever a questioner was sitting, worked very well. As last year, some days were extremely crowded (Tuesday) and others less so. Overall the highlight was, for me, the debate chaired by Nick Ross. I do not know how much he was paid, although I expect it was a great deal, but he was definitely worth it. He (or his researchers) really had done their homework and he not only knew exactly which searching questions to ask of whom, but he also summed up all the points made most effectively, too.
Overall, I found that it was much easier to chat informally to other delegates, but I was disappointed not to see or be able to talk briefly to Council members. I know that some were present, and very busy attending official functions and meetings the masses know nothing about, but it would have been most enlightening to be able to talk to those who serve on the specialist committees, for example.
As several of my suggestions seem to have borne fruit (although I realise that chance may well have had a part, too), perhaps I could go even further and ask for a "Council members' question time", or a "surgery" like Members of Parliament hold? It would be perfectly feasible to submit questions in advance, with the registration form, and for an appropriate member of Council to be chosen beforehand to answer first. That way some of the mystery surrounding a variety of issues could be given the chance of a public airing - though it would be appropriate to make whatever forum is used solely for members.
Perhaps the most rewarding change, at least from a personal point of view, was the successful implementation of the "buddy" scheme, as already reported (PJ, September 18, p426).
I noted on the registration form words to the effect of "Do you want to be introduced to other pharmacists?" but did not at the time realise that this was my suggestion in action. Perhaps a little more explanation might be in order. However, the scheme proved a great success and enabled those without experience of such a complex and confusing undertaking to participate more fully, which was the intention.
So, what is the overall outcome of the "audit" on the Cardiff conference? I was delighted to have been given the chance to attend again, and felt that I gained from the experience both professionally and personally. I do hope that there will be some more new faces at Birmingham next year for a millennium experience to savour! I shall miss the novelty (for me) of being beside the sea, but there will be the compensation of a short journey down the M6, meeting friends old and new, and a programme of events to take pharmacists into the next century.
Ms Taylor is NHS information and services manager at Lloyds Pharmacy